Building our own home basketball court is a rewarding project that I believe can add immense value to your home while providing entertainment for your family and friends. After nearly 12 months of having the court I have had some time to reflect on what I learnt and what I would do again (if I had to).
Here are my top five key lessons for building or installaing a home court into your yard, some of which I wish I had considered before breaking ground.
1. I Wish I Had Widened the Court and Added a 3-Point Line
When planning my court, I focused on the essentials: a functional space to shoot hoops which didn’t take up my whole yard. However, looking back, I realise I underestimated how much extra space I would have on the side of my court and at one end.
I had an additional 2 square meters available in my yard, but I didn’t use it. Adding just a bit more width could have allowed for better spacing during games and drills. It’s especially noticeable when playing with more than two people; my little 35 sqm court can start to feel a bit cramped.
Additionally, I didn’t include a genuine three-point line when painting the court. At the time, it seemed unnecessary for casual play, but I now see how much it adds to the fun and competitive spirit of the game. If you’re considering building a court, think ahead about how you’ll use it and plan for extra space where possible, it’s an investment you won’t regret.
2. Choosing an Above-Ground Hoop Was a Smart Move
Initially, I wanted an in-ground hoop as they are much sturdier and look very professional. Inground hoops are expensive for a reason, they allow for a more stable and aggressive style of play whilst having that pure basketball shot sound. But after 12 months in of game play I’m I kept my in-ground hoop option.
One of the biggest advantages has been mobility. The hoop can be moved to different areas of the court, which has come in handy when we’ve had issues with noise affecting the neighbours. Being able to shift the hoop away from their windows has helped ease tensions, especially during those late evening shootarounds when the ball hitting the backboard can get a bit loud.
Additionally, the flexibility to move the hoop has allowed us to reconfigure the court for different activities (more on that below). While in-ground hoops are great for permanence, an above-ground option offers versatility that’s hard to beat.
3. Noise Management Is a Bigger Deal Than I Thought
Speaking of neighbours, noise management is something I didn’t fully anticipate when building the court. The sound of a basketball bouncing on the tiles as well as bouncing off a backboard can get a little irritating for some.
Whilst we have struck a happy medium in terms of a time to limit the ball bounce, having an above-ground hoop has certainly helped in our planning. Being able to move it away from their windows has reduced the stress somewhat, and allowed us to keep balling in the evenings without too many concerns.
Pro tip – If you’re considering a home court, think carefully about its placement. Try to position it as far from your neighbours as possible whilst giving yourself maximum court space.
4. Home Courts Are Truly Multipurpose Spaces
One of the best surprises about our court has been its versatility. While we initially built it for basketball, it’s become the go-to spot for all sorts of activities.
We currently played pickleball, soccer, and even cricket on the court. The flat, durable surface makes it perfect for a variety of sports and games, and having a multi-use space has kept the whole family engaged. The tiles don’t overheat in summer and the water also receded quickly after the rain, making it a true multipurpose area. The kids also play four square and ride scooters on the area. By ‘rolling’ the above ground hoop out of the way, we are able to have a full length cricket pitch for the summer (very important in Australia).
If you’re building a court, consider how you can make it work for multiple uses. A slightly larger space, portable nets, or even marked lines for other sports can turn your court into an all-around recreation area. This not only maximizes its value but also makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
5. A Ball Containment Net Is Non-Negotiable
If there’s one piece of advice I’d shout from the rooftops, it’s this -get yourself a ball containment net ASAP!
We installed a net along one side of the court, and it has been a game-changer. Before the net, balls would constantly go over the fence into the neighbour’s yard, and retrieving them was not only a hassle but also a safety concern, especially with younger kids playing. We have also managed to install (or tie in) some fake plants to the netting, which gives us some more privacy and keeps the space looking green.
The net keeps the balls within the court’s boundaries, saving time and preventing frustration. If you’re building a court, don’t skimp on this feature. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference in day-to-day play.
Building a home basketball court was one of the best decisions I’ve made for our family. It’s become a place for exercise, bonding, and endless fun. But as with any project, there were lessons along the way.
From maximizing your space to managing noise and making the court multipurpose, these five takeaways have made our court more functional and enjoyable. If you’re planning your own home court, I hope these insights help you make the most of your investment.After